The vintage nostalgia trend is booming in Japan. From round-frame gold-rimmed glasses, vintage clothes, film cameras to vinyl record players, people are developing an interest in relics from the 70s and 80s. During your visit to Kyoto, a city rich in historical and cultural essence, seize the opportunity to explore treasures from a bygone era. Today, “Feast and Shop in Japan” will introduce you to three must-visit antique markets in Kyoto. Let’s find out what exciting finds you can bring home!
1.Toji Temple Flea Market
The Toji Temple Flea Market is held on the first Sunday of every month. Although smaller compared to the other markets mentioned today, it offers a fascinating browsing experience. Items found here are mostly rustic and worn, ranging from old metal signs, iron kettles, a collection of unusable cameras to worn-out bicycles. Insiders know that the real treasures are found here by those who refurbish these items, giving them a new lease on life.
2.Kitano Tenmangu Shrine Tenjin Market
The Kitano Tenmangu Shrine Tenjin Market is held on the 25th of each month with around 1,000 stalls. To fully explore this market, set aside half a day. It’s a market I’m intimately familiar with, offering a holistic experience with food stalls and religious aspects. The main approach to the shrine is lined with a myriad of snack stalls offering skewers, Hiroshima-yaki, Osaka-yaki, Takoyaki, rice cakes, candied apples, and more. Before starting your treasure hunt, grab a snack to fuel your energy for an exciting shopping spree. This market is a hotspot for Kimono and Yukata lovers, with stalls selling everything from belts, robes, Haori, strings, and belts. Some stalls even offer high-end products previously available in department stores. Apart from garments, you can find a wide array of antiques like dolls, signs, iron kettles, dishes, and clothing. After your shopping expedition, visit the Kitano Tenmangu Shrine to pay homage to the deity of wisdom.
3.Toji Temple and Kobo-ichi Market
Taking place on the 21st of every month, the Toji Temple Kōbō Market boasts about 1,200 stalls, making it the largest market in Kyoto. This place epitomizes the saying, “You can find and buy anything here, nothing is surprising”. Apart from antiques, there are numerous stalls selling a variety of handicrafts, creating a dizzying yet captivating atmosphere. Nearby, you can find food stalls to fuel up before diving into the market frenzy. Navigating through this market requires a keen eye and an ability to discern potential treasures amongst seemingly mundane items. What might appear as junk to you, might be a treasure for someone else!
After exploring the top three antique markets in Kyoto, we hope you’re eager to visit! Initially, I found the items old and dirty, but with time, I realized that many stall owners meticulously select and maintain the quality of their goods. Slowly, I grew fond of the thrill of treasure hunting amidst a sea of quirky antiques. If you find yourself in Kyoto, I highly recommend checking if your schedule aligns with the dates of these markets!
Klook.com